“For outstanding heroism in action during the Okinawa Campaign as a Fighter Direction Ship on Radar Picket Support Vessel, from April 10 to 16 May, 1945 and as Radar Picket Support Vessel, from June 16 to 20, 1945. A natural and frequent target of heavy Japanese aerial attack while occupying advanced and isolated stations, the U.S.S.BROWN defeated all efforts of enemy Kamikaze and dive-bombing planes to destroy her. Constantly vigilant and ready for battle day and night, she sent out early air warnings and provided fighter direction. With her own gunfire, she downed seven hostile planes, assisted in the destruction of five others and routed many more; and she rendered invaluable service in preventing air attacks in strength on the Naval forces off Okinawa beachhead. A seaworthy, fighting ship, the BROWN, her officers and men withstood the stress and perils of vital Radar Picket duty, achieving a gallant combat record which attests the teamwork, courage and skill of her entire company and enhances the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”
Source: NARA Modern Military Records (NECTM). Textual Archives Services Division.
